Nas software: NAS operating systems in comparison-wintotal.de

If you thought of buying a NA for a long time, you must inevitably think about a suitable operating system. Whether it’s a data supply or multimedia streaming: the «right» operating system does not exist, the choice always depends on what you can do exactly with the storage connected to the network. In our comparison we provide you Several NAS software from easy to complex first and show which functions they offer.

1. Freenas: Highly available data storage without additional tools

Freenas is a freebsd -based free storage operating system and the ZFS file system. The surrounding environment can be set in a few simple steps and is therefore also a good registration option for less experienced users.

As soon as you created a data carrier in the NAS, you can start creating actions directly and make them available on the net. For access to this, it doesn’t matter later if this happens from a Mac, a Windows PC or a Linux server. Freenas But it is not only suitable for sharing files, but also brings functions that allow use as a memory for virtual machines (for example Microsoft Odx or VMware Vaai).

Thanks to ZFS, all physical rigid discs can actually be integrated into the NAS system, because this supports almost all the requirements on a modern file system. For example, the raid software setting (level 1, 2, 3 and 5) is the maximum for the creation and replica of the snapshots.

Another advantage of ZFS: you must not be afraid of a data loss in case of current insufficiency. After restarting, the System file is automatically available again.

Freenas supports all common network system file system, including SMB, NFS, Webdav, Ftp and Inscsi And it also offers the possibility of driving encryption. For the operation of the current version, the computer should be equipped with a 64 -bit processor and at least 8 GB of RAM.

2. Zyxel OS: Nano Nas software with elementary functions

Zyxel is much less known than big names such as Synology or Buffalo. With its manageable but powerful range range, however, it is easy for private use. Access uses the web browser, which means that Zyxel is largely independent of the operating system. However, it makes the difference for some protocols whether they access it from Windows, MacOS or Linux.

Zyxel has an entire series of features for media administration. For example, you can put your content on the NAS server and reproduce from there through a corresponding app. Investigation to other devices is also possible without problems. The prerequisite for this, however, is that they are suitable for the DLNA and support the codecs used.

File management takes place in Zyxel using the file browser. You will receive access to all folders. The automatic loading functions that you can automatically load on Flickr or YouTube are also very practical. To do this, they only have to be copied to a certain directory. Alternatively, it is obviously also to share files, for example via FTP or Webdav. And the manufacturer also provides a practical way in a cloud app with which you can also access the NAS system from the outside.

Apple users will be happy: Zyxel-Nas can also be used as iTunes server and has large access and administrative options for macOS as for Windows. And the time machine backups can also be activated if necessary.

3. Xigmanas (ex Nas4free): the proven open source software

The free operating system of Xigmana was known until 2018 with the name Nas4free and is a further development of the Codes of Freenas. It supports the establishment of the operation of a NAS on various hardware architectures (for example CPU from Intel, AMD or Arm) and offers numerous options such as incorporated or complete installation.

In addition to the rigid discs (for complete installation), memory cards or USB sticks (for incorporated installation) can also be used as a start supports. AYou can embark on a live CD or a live USB stick.

Xigmanas supports sections for Windows systems, Mac and Unix and offers ZFS, a Raid Software (level 0, 1, 5) and heights of the hard disk (with the support of encryption acceleration). In addition, Mail Reports (Smart) based on protocols such as FTP, NFS, RSYNC, TFTP, AFP, CIFS (Samba), Unison, Iscii, Upnp, BitTorrent or Hast (highly available storage) can be created.

All configurations and settings are performed via a PHP graphic web area. Surveillance also takes place through this. Other useful functions such as monitoring via SNMP, automatic alarm messages via e -mail and alarm clock on LAN complete the complete package.

4. OpenMediavault: the solution for Raspberry Pi

The owner of a Raspberry Pi can use OpenMediavault and an external hard drive Ratzfatz to put together your small «self-bauen brand» server (you can find instructions for this here). The system is based on Debian-Linux and is mainly aimed at private families or smaller companies. However, there are no restrictions on access, so it can also be used in larger networks.

Access is via FTP, SMB, SNMP and NFS. For the Raid, Ext3, Ext4, XFS, JFS or BTRF system (comparable to ZFS) they are available as a file system. Unfortunately, the BTRFs (so far) are not completely integrated into the OpenMediavault environment. As a result, sometimes it can be difficult in production environments.

In addition to the possibility of data storage, the NAS software also offers large functions of the media servers. These include, for example, the management of users and the group (with the control of access and the altitude), as well as the monitoring and automatic state reports via e -mail. In addition, level 0, 1, 4, 5, 6 and 10, as well as Smart and Jbod are possible.

Particularly practical: the administration of OpenMediavault takes place completely through the web browserThis means you don’t need an extra display for your Raspberry Pi. In addition, the software also has an interface for plug -in with which it is possible to expand the range of functions and which can be easily installed via the web interface.

Tipp: On the OMV-EXtras.org website you will find an entire range of other plugins that can be downloaded for free, including SFTP, a cup printer server or an openvpn extension.

5. Mycloud OS: the small Western Digital NAS operating system

Western Digital is one of the world’s largest hard disk manufacturers, but when it comes to Nas, the company is still late compared to the competition. With the economic MyCloud systems, the field must now be rolled up from behind. The associated operating system MyCloud OS cannot keep up with industrial giants such as QT (from QNAP) or the person responsible for differentiation from Synology as regards the range of functions and expansion options. But honestly: Do you absolutely need all frills?

Especially users who have never worked with a NAS system are much easier to reach. The commissioning of the system is not much more difficult than conventional software installation And also for furnishings, no more than a few mouse clicks are needed. The configuration and administration take place exclusively through the web browser. Access can take place from all DLNA certified devices.

Long -term Porzo with Dynndns services or router versions completely save the manufacturer: To access your NAS from anywhere in the world, you just have to register with your e -mail and password address on the website. And Apple users also get the value of their money with MyCloud OS. A western digital nas can also be easily used as iTunes server.